Education Department

Director: Amanda Pacheco

About The Department

The Education Department has been committed to the education and training needs of our members and leaders since its establishment in 1924. The work of the education department is founded on the belief that when we educate and engage our members and provide them with the tools to be activists our union will thrive. The training and education programs that are provided by the IBEW strive to be inclusive of all our members by addressing the diversity that makes us strong while fostering a sense of solidarity across our union. The IBEW education programs provide comprehensive training in organizational and leadership development through organizing training, steward training, local union officer training and more. Below is a list of programs available to local unions and their members. If you would like to schedule a training for your local union, contact your IBEW International Representative and/or your district office.

IBEW Education and Training Programs

First Contract Negotiations Training

This training provides negotiating committees in newly organized workplaces with the tools and skills necessary for success at the negotiating table.

3-Day New Organizer Training

This course is available to new construction and professional/ industrial organizers. It is designed to give new organizers a working knowledge of foundational organizing skills. In addition, the course addresses industry history and trends as well as legal dos and don’ts.

Collective Bargaining Training

This course equips negotiating team members with the fundamentals of collective bargaining and advanced negotiating tactics. A mock negotiating session will provide attendees with a practical application of the knowledge and skills learned in the course.

Construction Organizing Membership Education Training

This interactive course prepares union leaders, organizers, and appointed staff to teach the COMET and LEAP training classes. Areas of focus include how adults learn, proven teaching techniques, and effective communication skills.

Leadership Education And Planning for Organizing

This interactive course prepares union leaders, organizers, and appointed staff to teach the COMET and LEAP training classes. Areas of focus include how adults learn, proven teaching techniques, and effective communication skills.

Market-Driven Contracting Week One

Not available at this time. IBEW Market-Driven Contracting is a one-of-a-kind instruction course with two intensive week-long sessions – separated by six weeks of at-home preparation activities – covering the complete range of subject matter designed expressly for IBEW electrical workers who are interested in going into business and becoming electrical contractors. The course provides the critical fundamentals, and the break-through strategies of market-driven contracting.

Market-Driven Contracting Week Two

Not available at this time. IBEW Market-Driven Contracting is a one-of-a-kind instruction course with two intensive week-long sessions – separated by six weeks of at-home preparation activities – covering the complete range of subject matter designed expressly for IBEW electrical workers who are interested in going into business and becoming electrical contractors. The course provides the critical fundamentals, and the break-through strategies of market-driven contracting.

Local Union Leadership Training

Designed for all IBEW officers, LULT focuses on two critical areas necessary for growing your local union: leading and managing. This course reviews the key responsibilities of each elected officer as defined by the IBEW Constitution and Basic Laws & Policies as well as the everyday application of those responsibilities.

Member To Future Member

These courses are designed to engage current members in organizing efforts. Topics covered include IBEW history, effective communication, and foundational organizing skills. Members will learn to address the concerns of current and future IBEW members and practice their techniques via role-play during the training. In each class, participants develop an action to be implemented at the local union level upon completion of the training.

New Business Manager Training Week One

This course is offered to new and experienced business managers in each international vice presidential district. Over the course of two 1-week sessions, this training will provide local union leadership with the in-depth information, resources, and skills necessary to conduct the day-to-day affairs of their local unions.

New Business Manager Training Week Two

This course is offered to new and experienced business managers in each international vice presidential district. Over the course of two 1-week sessions, this training will provide local union leadership with the in-depth information, resources, and skills necessary to conduct the day-to-day affairs of their local unions.

IBEW Steward Training

This course is offered for construction and professional/industrial stewards. This course is designed to provide stewards with essential knowledge, skills and tools that they need to fulfill their many duties. Topics include roles and responsibilities, legal rights and obligations, understanding the contract, and communicating with members.

IBEW Steward Training

This course is offered for construction and professional/industrial stewards. This course is designed to provide stewards with essential knowledge, skills and tools that they need to fulfill their many duties. Topics include roles and responsibilities, legal rights and obligations, understanding the contract, and communicating with members.

Common Sense Economics

This program examines the current state of the economy from a worker’s perspective. Participants will challenge assumptions about the economy and connect economic issues to union goals including organizing, community engagement, legislative and political action, and collective bargaining.

IBEW Code of Excellence

This course explores the important differences between the roles and responsibilities of COE stewards and traditional stewards. Participants will learn effective communication and listening skills and how to deal with difficult people and handle conflict. Exercises will provide participants with practice in addressing typical workplace challenges.

IBEW Advanced Steward Training

This course builds on the education and skills that are the foundation of the basic Steward Training. Stewards will learn more about the grievance process through skills practice and practical applications. In addition, stewards will focus on organizing and the leadership role that is critical to building the local union.